Heart 6 (Yinxi) is located just 0.5 cun below Heart 7. For a more detailed understanding of the point’s location, feel free to refer to the previous article, where we covered Heart 7 extensively. Additionally, I’ve included point location visuals in this blog post to help clarify the exact position of Heart 6.
Table of Contents
Point Location
Location: .5 cun below the transverse crease of the wrist, on the radial side of Flexor carpi ulnaris.1
Needle Depth: about .25 – .5 cun
When To Choose Heart 6
There are various approaches when it comes to needle application, and much of this depends on the practitioner. I often say you can’t have two acupuncturists in the same room, because they will likely choose different points for treatment. With so many points available, the selection is highly influenced by the diagnosis, and while practitioners can come to a consensus, how a patient responds to treatment is something only time and follow-ups reveal.
With that said, there are certain indicators that suggest when a point like Heart 6 would be most ideal in the treatment plan. One common sign is tenderness in the area, though this isn’t always the case. From a TCM perspective, understanding the differentiation of patterns is key. For instance, Heart 7 is classified as a yuan primary point (strong invigorating point), while Heart 6 is a xi-cleft point (acute, relaxing point), each serving distinct roles in treatment.
Heart 6 Functions (TCM):
Nourishes Heart Yin
Clears Heat
Calms The Mind
Sweating
References
- Kim HB. Handbook of Oriental Medicine. 3rd ed. 2014:213. ↩︎
Carlo St. Juste II, MAOM has a background in acupuncture with over 10 years of clinical experience, published author, and over 16 years in the Martial Arts. He has worked with various organizations to implement employee wellness programs and workshops including The City of West Covina, The City of Brea, Broadcom, University of Southern California (USC), American Suzuki, and Pomona College. He is dedicated to promoting integrative health and has seen the benefits of knowledge and implementation first hand.